Ever since I was an adolescent I was fascinated by “Celtic design”. This was encouraged by my mother who introduced me to the ‘legend’ himself, Jim Fitzpatrick, through a book he wrote and illustrated called “The Book Of Conquests”.
In addition to this throughout the early years of my own creative development, I toured the country in search of two things, “Celtic high crosses” and megalithic dolmen sites. Fuelled with inspiration I decided to embark on my own interpretation of the many legends, symbols and icons that Ireland had to offer.
This creative journey necessitated three things;
1. An ability to draw from life
2. An understanding of the mathematical complexities inherent in Celtic knots and spirals
3. A disciplined, investigative and creative mind
As the saying goes I didn’t try to reinvent the wheel I just tried to improve it!
Calvary Celtic Cross
The Calvary Celtic cross is named after the Calvary shrine in Omeath, Co.Louth, Ireland. Celtic knotwork combines a ‘German’ styled Christian cross with a pagan sun circle decorated with a geometric key pattern. Thus pagan and Christian symbolism unite as the ‘sun’ of God !
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Portrait Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
The Hounds of Cú Chulainn
The Hounds of Cú Chulainn design is named after Ireland’s greatest warrior, Cú Chulainn (formerly Setanta). In recompense for killing Culainn’s guard dog Setanta had to guard his home whilst raising the pups of the dead dog thereby earning his new name “Cú Chulainn” (the hound of Culainn). Placed near a doorway the hounds symbolise protection of the home.
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Portrait Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Newgrange Triscal
The“Newgrange triscal” was designed by a stone carving ‘genius’ 5000 years ago. Predating the Celts in Ireland this symbol is conjectured to mean many things. Its existence inside the Newgrange portal tomb in Co. Meath attests to its significance perhaps illustrating the continuum of life after death.
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Landscape Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Celtic Tree Of Life
The “Celtic tree of life” design pays homage to our natural environment and symbolises the importance of trees therein. The triscal water design harks back to pagan times where the ‘Willow’ tree draws its energy source. The intricate knotwork of branches are the many weaves that keep family together.
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Landscape Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Bean na h-Éireann
The Bean na h-Éireann (woman of Ireland) is a tribute to the role women have played throughout our history in the struggle for Irish identity, rights and freedom. The design marries together Ireland’s iconic harp symbol embellished with Celtic design with the strength, beauty and natural grace found in the ‘classical’ female form.
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Portrait Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Celtic Cat
The “Celtic Cat” design is simply that !
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Landscape Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Celtic Sutra
The “Celtic Sutra” design is firstly a play on words and as the imagery suggests the physical attraction between man and woman. Every culture since time began has explored this theme through various art forms. Now it is time for the Celts !
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Portrait Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Brown Bull Of Cooley
The “Brown Bull Of Cooley” design undoubtedly Ireland’s greatest mythological saga involving none other than Cú Chulainn of Ulster and Queen Maeve of Connacht draws inspiration from the mountain, sea and ‘brown bull’ of Carlingford, Co. Louth.
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Portrait Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Children of Lír
The “Children of Lír” design depicts the 4 children of king Lír whose step wife cursed the children (Fionnula, Conn, Aodh, Fiacra ) and turned them into swans. As legend has it after 900 years at the toll of a church bell the swans became human again, aged instantly and died thus representing the end of paganism and the advent of Christianity. Aside from the legend the design itself symbolises the love, care and protection that siblings often develop for each other when faced with adversity.
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Landscape Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Celtic Shamrock
The “Celtic shamrock” design transforms the humble shamrock into a mini work of Celtic art whilst keeping the hallmark of Irish identity intact! Be proud, be Irish!
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Portrait Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Cairlinn Claddagh
The Cairlinn Claddagh (Carlingford shore) is a contemporary twist on Ireland’s most famous signature ring. Two hands encircle a Celtic heart adorned with both a pagan triscal and ‘trinity’ knot. Above this sits a “Celtic” knot crown. Altogether the design is a symbol of two peoples love, loyalty and unity for each other.
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Landscape Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
Unholy Trinity
The “Unholy Trinity” design symbolises a bond of friendship between 3 people. The name refers to the figurative use of hand gestures found at the centre of the design. It is not religious, merely a bit of fun!
Print dimensions:
Paper size 33cm (13”) x 24(9 1/2”) cm;
image size approximately 16cm (6 1/2”)x 17cm (6 1/2”)
Images are printed on 310 gsm textured German etching paper
and embossed with ‘artist’s seal’ !!!
(Portrait Print)
€30 Unframed Print
€60 Framed Print
